Magical Express question/opinions

[Lglchick]

We were all excited about using ME, until we realized we wouldn't be able to stop for groceries. Unfortunately, having them delivered isn't an option in our budget.
My question is, if we decide to use a car service, can we still use the tags so at least our bags are taken care of and sent to the resort? I like the thought of not having to deal with baggage claim.
Even if this is tolerated, but frowned upon, I'd like to know so we're not committing an immediate faux-paux.

 

[goofy4tink]

We were all excited about using ME, until we realized we wouldn't be able to stop for groceries. Unfortunately, having them delivered isn't an option in our budget.
My question is, if we decide to use a car service, can we still use the tags so at least our bags are taken care of and sent to the resort? I like the thought of not having to deal with baggage claim.
Even if this is tolerated, but frowned upon, I'd like to know so we're not committing an immediate faux-paux.

Let me ask you a question....if you are going to pay at least $50, plus tip, for one-way(over $100 r/t) with a car service, why isn't grocery delivery in your budget?? You would pay for the groceries, plus a delivery charge of about $10-15 and a possible tip. And you aren't wandering around an unfamilier grocery store, and the bags are delivered right to your room.

Can you tag your bags and then not ride DME??
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2015788
This should answer any questions you might have.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Last year we used DME and stayed at POP. After we checked in we went and ate lunch in the food court and watched our bags go by and into our room. What a great service Disney supplies! We will never rent a car again at WDW.

 

[Lglchick]

Let me ask you a question....if you are going to pay at least $50, plus tip, for one-way(over $100 r/t) with a car service, why isn't grocery delivery in your budget?? You would pay for the groceries, plus a delivery charge of about $10-15 and a possible tip. And you aren't wandering around an unfamilier grocery store, and the bags are delivered right to your room.

Can you tag your bags and then not ride DME??
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2015788
This should answer any questions you might have.

GOOD POINT! I honestly never thought of that. I think I'm going to have to take another look at exactly what I'm budgeting here. It's this kind of thing that I'm so happy to have folks like you who have been there and done that and can help me think this through.

 

[Lglchick]

Oh, and thanks for the link. Cleared it right up for me!

 

[dis_guy]

Hi Jodivee, it's great to see yet another Albertan here! Just to chime in with all the others, our DME experiences have been very good.

On our Christmas trip we arrived at 4:15 PM and had absolutely no line at the counter, got straight on the bus, and it left immediately. We were the first ones dropped off, so it was very quick.

On our previous trip we arrived at 1:00 AM (plane delayed-lots) waited on the bus 20 mins for it to go and were the third resort it stopped at. We had bell services hold the baggage until morning that time, so having essentials in a smaller bag paid off big time. Now we're allow a piece of carry-on again you'll be able to do that.

Have a fantastic time!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Oh, and thanks for the link. Cleared it right up for me!

No problem. Glad I've given you food for thought. Sometimes someone else can come up with something that we never, ever would think of. It's really kind of funny. I've had a ton of 'duh' moments here. Ones where I would say...'Now, why didn't I think of that?!'

 

[indimom3]

As a free service, DME is worth every penny you pay for it. LOL.
We had a bad experience last time. We checked into our cabin at 530pm, and our luggage did not arrive until 1030 that night. We hadn't anticipated that, and really needed our bags before the next morning. So that was not great.
Then on departure, our bus never showed up. There were about 20 people stacked up waiting and waiting, calling ME and trying to find our bus. We were an hour late to the airport. "Lucky" for us our plane ended up being 3 hours late, so it didn't impact our flight. But it was pretty darn stressful not knowing where the bus was. And NOBODY at DME could answer our questions.

All that being said, next time we go, we will use it again. You can't beat free. And we fly Airtran so the luggage thing works great for us. We will just plan our carryons differently next time.

 

[pixarmom]

Another vote for DME!!! It's a great way to start your trip, and with three kids, I really love not dealing with luggage, car rental, etc. And free is great.

I can't agree more with previous posters who recommended that you bring whatever you need for that day (or, in OP's case, that night) in your carry-ons. We usually land around noon, and we don't expect to see our luggage until we return to the resort around 9 or 10pm. I know it probably arrives more quickly than that, but when we prepare this way it's been stress-free.

 

[Lglchick]

Our flight from Orlando departs at 7:50 a.m. With the current security issues, we know we will need to be at the airport by at least 6:00 a.m. Can anyone tell me if ME can get us to the airport that early? If not, any suggestions as to what arrangements we need to make to get to the airport that early?

 

[indimom3]

ME typically picks you up 3 hours before your flight. We had a 5am pick up back in February for an 8am flight. So yes, they do operate that early. But they will also probably expect you to get up at 4am...

 

[Jestocost]

Our flight from Orlando departs at 7:50 a.m. With the current security issues, we know we will need to be at the airport by at least 6:00 a.m. Can anyone tell me if ME can get us to the airport that early? If not, any suggestions as to what arrangements we need to make to get to the airport that early?

Absolutely. They will schedule your pick up for around 4:45 a.m.-5:00 a.m. in order to get you there on time. You will not, however, be able to use the Resort Airline Check-in service to check your bags, since you have to have that process completed no later than three hours before your flight and the desk will not open until after that (5:00 .m.).

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

ME is great. Just have a carry on with items you will need for the first 3-5 hours until your luggage comes.

 

[Lglchick]

You will not, however, be able to use the Resort Airline Check-in service to check your bags, since you have to have that process completed no later than three hours before your flight and the desk will not open until after that (5:00 .m.).

Whuh? I'm new to all this! What does that mean?

 

[jodivee]

Let me ask you a question....if you are going to pay at least $50, plus tip, for one-way(over $100 r/t) with a car service, why isn't grocery delivery in your budget?? You would pay for the groceries, plus a delivery charge of about $10-15 and a possible tip. And you aren't wandering around an unfamilier grocery store, and the bags are delivered right to your room.

ok, now THIS is just the type of helpful info that a complete Disney newbie like me needs!!!!!
This never even crossed my mind!! I did request a fridge in our room, and yep, I was wondering how the heck I was going to fill it. LOL!! (I'm actually giggling at myself as I type this..)
Ok, forgive my complete ignorance, but how does that work?? I have never done it.

 

[jodivee]

Hi Jodivee, it's great to see yet another Albertan here! Just to chime in with all the others, our DME experiences have been very good.

On our Christmas trip we arrived at 4:15 PM and had absolutely no line at the counter, got straight on the bus, and it left immediately. We were the first ones dropped off, so it was very quick.

On our previous trip we arrived at 1:00 AM (plane delayed-lots) waited on the bus 20 mins for it to go and were the third resort it stopped at. We had bell services hold the baggage until morning that time, so having essentials in a smaller bag paid off big time. Now we're allow a piece of carry-on again you'll be able to do that.

Have a fantastic time!!

Hello back, fellow Albertan!!!

 

[MmmmDisney.]

Whuh? I'm new to all this! What does that mean?

I would go to the Transportation board, there is so much info there.

 

[Jazzerfan]

I am planning a Disney vacation in late August 2010. Last time we stayed at Caribbean beach and although OK, cramped into the one room was a bit much for 4 people plus no privacy for my husband and I. My kids are 12 and 8years of age.

Can anyone suggest a good resort to stay at with extra room and not being too costly? I've been researching Cabins @ Fort Wilderness and All Star Music-Family Suite, but not sure. All other seem to be the same old standard double bed room types, but need extra space.

Help!

 

[amccu18007]

We LOVE ME. My middle DS thinks that it is the first ride of the parks. He talks about it non stop until we get there and then gets excited when we return..lol. I would highly recommend it. Have a great time!

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

I've used ME to All Star Music twice. In March, I checked in at the ME desk. In August, I went right to the resort line. Both times I did have to wait for the bus. On time approximately 30 minutes, the other about 12 minutes ( I set my stop watch). Both times my flight arrived about 11 am. The ME bus only had All Star guests on it. On the way out in August, the bus made a stop at the CSR.